Topic starter
15/12/2011 6:22 pm
Since several people have noted anniversarys of river events in the last few days. I think it only right to mention another one which involved a modern ship but piloted by a Steamboat Capt.
Yesterday marked the date when NOBRA #70, Capt. Ted Davisson, found hinself in the position of having his hands full of a, just went dead ship, bulk carrier, headed straight for the N.O. Riverwalk.
There are many sites on line which have video and pictures relating to the incident and findings reports from the various investigations of the BRIGHTFIELD/RIVERWALK incident.
While not strictly Steamboat related, it does show a current aspect of the Inland Marine Industry. For those of us who remained in the industry after our Steamboat time, this incident shows one of the many daily situations we could face in the "normal" routine of our work. A "Dead Ship" becomes a problem to anyone in the general area of the event and often times the outcome leads to actions effection general river operations.
Knowing "Capt. Ted" personally, he has always considered it a failure in his piloting career. Myself, and those who know river navigation, have always looked at it as one of his finest hours.
Many factors play a part in any such situation. While there was property damage, and people were seriously injured. The final outcome could have be much worse with only small changes in any of the factors of the incident.
Just another anniversary marking, just another day on the river!
16/12/2011 12:05 am
I too would say it was one of the finest moments of Capt. Ted's career. We took our first ever Christmas vacation that year, and of course heard about the accident on our trip. When we got home and I saw a newspaper, I told Sharon, "That was TED on that ship!" While a tragic event, it could have been much, much worse. Much of the credit for making a terrible situation not quite so bad is due to our own Ted Davisson.
31/12/2011 2:06 pm
The "BRIGHTFIELD Incident" remains on of the most studied cases about how, when a marine situation turns to its worst, a single "hero" steps forward; saves lives and keeps the calamity within bounds as all humanly possible. I have yet to meet a newly-graduated licensed officer from the Merchant Marine Academy who was not familiar with Captain Ted Davisson's actions on the bridge of the BRIGHTFIELD that eventful day. The same must be true of USCG Academy grads where Ted's actions are also studied and used as as an example of the highest actions of a Merchant Marine Officer in time of dire distress. Ted will be remembered for a very long time for what he did right... and I am proud to say he is both my friend and professional colleague.